Crews still working to repair water main break in heart of Hoboken

HOBOKEN (WABC) -- Water pressure has been restored to most portions of Hoboken following a massive water main break on Sunday morning. A boil water alert remains in effect, and people should boil their water for at least one minute before consuming.

The biggest issue will be for commuters in the morning - several streets will remain closed through Monday afternoon.

Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante urged people who planned on traveling to or from Hoboken on Monday to use public transportation.

HOBOKEN ROAD CLOSURES:

- Observer Highway closed West of Henderson Street to Jersey Ave.

- Harrison Street closed from Paterson Avenue to Newark Street.

- Jackson Street closed from Newark Street to Paterson Avenue.

- Vehicles traveling North on Jersey Ave will need to turn at 18th Street.

Around 9 a.m. people living in Hoboken and parts of Jersey City noticed a drop in water pressure. A break in a 16-inch pipe underneath the road that the corner of Newark and Harrison completely flooded the streets.

"I was in the shower, and all of a sudden the water turned off, right in the middle," said Steve Andreassi.

Crews isolated the problem, and emergency repair teams got to work.

"The source of the break is likely in a meter vault that is in the border of Jersey City and Hoboken," said Steven Goudsmith of United Water.

No water meant there was no way business after business on Washington Street could stay open. Things were anything but happy at Delight Deli, where all they could make were sandwiches.

"I lost a lot of business today, a lot of business, so no people can park. Everything is closed," said Bassem Ghobrial.

At Hoboken University Medical Center, officials say it was business as usual with a water tanker in place

The city of Hoboken has issued an alert as a precaution to Hoboken residents to boil water for at least one minute for consumption purposes only.

United Water says that residents who just had their water come back should boil their water for at least one minute for the following: drinking, cooking, baking, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, mixing baby formula or food, mixing juices or drinks, feeding pets, and all other consumption. Water does not have to be boiled for the following activities: showering, washing dishes or clothes.